Handheld Spooling Device

ABSTRACT

A handheld wire spooling device is provided for spooling wire, and for tensioning fence wire while mending the same. The tool comprises a wire spool, a rotatable handle that can rotate the spool, a side grip, and a ratchet mechanism. The spool and handle are rotatable relative to the side grip, while the ratchet mechanism allows relative rotation in one direction. The spool further comprises a wire slot therein, which is used to receive a length of wire therethrough, whereafter the spool is rotated to draw the wire over and around the spool exterior. The user grips the side grip and rotates the rotatable handle to rotate the spool. The ratchet mechanism prevents unwanted reverse rotation, which would unspool the wire. The tool is useful for spooling wire, and particularly to tensioning fence wire while mending two lengths together during a repair.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/186,710 filed on Jun. 30, 2015. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to handheld tools for spooling wire. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handheld tool that can be used to tension fence wire while mending two sections of fence wire together using a spool, ratchet mechanism, and a pair of handles.

It can be difficult to repair a wire fence when one of the fence wires breaks. A section of wire fence can break if acted on by an external force, such as a fallen tree branch, damage caused by a large animal, or by accidental or intentional damage by another person. If the fence cannot be repaired, the entire fence may need to be replaced, which is expensive and inconvenient. The present invention is intended to assist a user when mending fences, and particularly wire fences at the point in which a length of wire has been snapped into two lengths. The present invention assists the user when mending the two lengths of wire together.

Wire fences are provided in diverse form and design. The present invention is particularly suited for mending lengths of broken fence wire, where the fences wire runs longitudinally along the fence wire to form a barrier. When a length of such wire snaps, the length is separated into two distinct wire lengths. To mend the fence, the wire lengths must be joined and secured together. During this mending process, the wire lengths must be tensioned while their ends are secured together. The present invention provides a tool that can be used to tension the wire lengths as the two are bound together during the mending process. The present invention is a useful handheld tool that has several applications, including tensioning wire lengths while fence mending.

In particular, the present invention provides a handheld wire tensioner tool comprising a wire spool, a U-shaped handle that rotates the spool, a ratchet mechanism, and a side grip. The user grips the side grip while rotating the spool using the U-shaped handle. The ratchet mechanism allows the user to partially rotate the handle to rotate the spool, whereafter the user can return the handle to its starting position without causing a reverse rotation of the spool. The user can then rotate the handle again to draw another length of wire onto the spool. The spool has a wire slot therein, which causes the wire to draw onto the spool during the first rotation thereof. The user can tension the first wire length after the first wire length has been secured through a loop in a second wire length. The tool therefore is useful for tensioning a wire around the spool and thus applying tension to the two lengths of wire when mending the two lengths together. Overall, the tool assists users repairing a damaged wire fence or otherwise spooling wire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary is intended solely for the benefit of the reader and is not intended to be limiting in any way. The present invention provides a new handheld tool that can be utilized for spooling lengths of wire generally, and for tensioning fence wire during repairs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved handheld spooling device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide handheld spooling device that comprises a spool, a ratchet mechanism, a handle, and a side grip.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device whereby the spool comprises a cylindrical body, a first end, a second end, and a slot therethrough for receiving wire or material to be drawn on the spool when rotated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device whereby the handle further comprises a U-shaped handle having a pair of handle arms and a cross member. The handle arms are rotatable relative to the spool at the spool first end and second end, and whereby the ratchet mechanism connects the rotation of the handle to the spool when the handle is rotated in a first direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device, whereby the ratchet mechanism is disposed on the first end of the spool for operably coupling the handle arms to the spool in a first rotational direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device in which the side grip extends from the first end of the spool and is disposed outboard of the ratchet mechanism and the handle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device in which the spool has an axial direction along its length and the grip extends radially away from the axial direction of the spool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device whereby the grip is rotatably connected to the spool, and whereby the user may grasp the grip in a first hand while rotating the U-shaped handle about the spool with a second hand to cause rotation of the spool relative to the grip when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device whereby the U-shaped handle and the spool are decoupled when the U-shaped handle is rotated relative to the spool in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device whereby the spool further comprises a slot therethrough that is adapted to receive a length of fence wire therethrough.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device, whereby the slot through the spool is curved with respect to the axial direction of the spool and extends between the first end and second end of the spool. Furthermore, the slot extends through an outer surface of the spool to receive the fence wire into the slot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device, whereby the ratchet mechanism further comprises a gear and a pawl. The gear has a center aligned with a center axis of the spool, and the gear further comprises asymmetrical teeth. The pawl is pivotably connected to one of the pair of handle arms of the U-shaped handle and spring-biased against the asymmetrical teeth of the gear. The asymmetrical teeth allow the pawl to ride over the asymmetrical teeth when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the second rotational direction, and furthermore are adapted to bear against the pawl when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction. Thereby, the ratchet mechanism couples the handle to the spool in only one direction to draw the wire onto the spool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide handheld spooling device that can be used to tension two lengths of fence wire when the spool draws a first length of wire thereonto. The first length of wire is couple to a second length of wire, whereby the second length of wire forms a loop through which the first length of wire extends. The spool draws the wires together by shortening the free length of the first length, whereafter the wire lengths can be tensioned together. The first length is wrapped back onto itself and the two lengths are joined to form a continuous, tensioned length.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the tool in a working state, securing two lengths of fence wire together.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the tool in a working state.

FIG. 3 shows another side view of the tool in a working state.

FIG. 4 shows a final view of the tool in a working state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the wire spooling tool of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for spooling lengths of wire, and for tensioning fence wire while mending two lengths of fence wire together. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

The tool of the present invention is a handheld spooling tool that can be used to draw a length of wire, cable, or like length of material onto a spool using a ratchet mechanism. Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown various views of the tool in a working state, securing two lengths 100, 110 of fence wire together. The tool comprises a spool 50, a rotatable handle 20, a side grip 80, and a ratchet mechanism. The spool 50 is used to draw the wire or cable around its cylindrical body, while the handle 20 rotates relative to the side grip 80. The ratchet mechanism operably couples the handle 20 to the spool 50 in one direction, and decouples the handle 20 from the spool 50 in an opposite direction. In this way, the handle 20 can be rotated partially in one direction to draw the wire onto the spool 50, whereafter the handle 20 can be returned to its starting position without releasing the wire from the spool 50.

The spool comprises cylindrical body 51, a first end 54, a second end 53, and a wire slot 52 therethrough. The first end 54 is operably coupled to the handle 20 by way of the ratchet mechanism. In turn, the ratchet mechanism comprises a gear 30 and pawl 31. The gear 30 is statically connected to the first end 54 of the spool 50 and the two rotate together. The pawl 31 operably couples the handle 20 to the gear 30, and thus the handle 20 to the spool 50, in one direction. The pawl 31 decouples the handle 20 from the spool 50 in an opposite direction.

The tool comprises a first handle 20 and a second side grip 80 in which to hold and operate the tool. The handle 20 preferably comprises a U-shaped design with a pair of handle arms 22 and a cross member 21. The handle cross member 21 is gripped by the user and the handle 20 can be rotated relative to the side grip 80 in order to rotate the spool 50. The side grip 80 extends from the first end 54 of the spool 50 and is used to support the spool with one hand as the spool 50 is being rotated by the handle 20, which is gripped in a second hand.

The side grip 80 comprises an elongated length 81 and a base 82. Extending perpendicularly from the base 82 is an elongated axle 83. The axle 83 is aligned with the central axis of the spool 50 and extends through the interior of the spool 50. The spool 50 rotates around the axle 83 as the axle 83 is maintained in a static position by the user grasping the grip 80 along its exposed length 81. The axle 83 and spool 50 are thus coaxial and share a common central axis, while the handle 20 is used to rotate the spool 50 over the axle using the operable coupling of the ratchet mechanism. The axle 83 further include stops 70, 71 (FIG. 2) disposed along its length. The stops 70, 71 secure the spool 50 therebetween and onto the axle 83 length. This prevents separation of the spool 50 and the axle 83, and can further be used to contain spooled lengths of wire on the spool 50 during the operation of the tool.

Coupling the spool 50 to the handle 20 is the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism comprises a gear 30 that is affixed to the first end 54 of the spool, and a pawl 31. The pawl 31 engages the gear 30 in one direction to transfer rotational motion from the handle 20 and to the spool 50. The gear 30 has a central axis that is aligned with a center axis of the spool 50 and the axle 83. The gear further comprises asymmetrical teeth that are adapted to engage the pawl 31 in only one direction. In addition, the pawl is pivotably connected to one of the pair of handle arms 22 of the U-shaped handle 20 and spring-biased against the asymmetrical teeth of the gear 30 using a spring 32. This draws the pawl 31 towards the gear 30 such that the two are always in contact. The asymmetrical teeth allow the pawl 31 to ride over the asymmetrical teeth when the U-shaped handle 20 is rotated in one rotational direction. Conversely, when the handle 20 is rotated in an opposite direction the asymmetrical teeth of the gear 30 bear against the pawl 31 as the U-shaped handle 20 is rotated.

The handle arms 22 of the handle 20 are rotatable relative to the axle 83 and secure therearound. The ends of the arms 22 are disposed adjacent to the spool ends 53, 54, and operably coupled thereto using the ratchet mechanism. In use, the side grip 80 is rotatably connected to the spool 50 via the axle 83. The user grasps the grip 80 in a first hand while rotating the U-shaped handle 20 about the axle 83 with a second hand to cause rotation of the spool 50 relative to the axle 83 when the U-shaped handle 20 is rotated in the first rotational direction. The U-shaped handle 20 and the spool 50 are decoupled when the U-shaped handle 20 is rotated relative to the axle 83. in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. Thus, the ratchet mechanism couples the spool 50 and handle 20 in one direction only, while the grip 80 and spool 50 are continuously rotatable relative to each other.

The spool 50 is used to draw wire lengths thereonto. To this end, the spool 50 further comprises a slot 52 therethrough that is adapted to receive a length of wire therethrough. The slot 52 extends through the spool interior and through opposing sides thereof. Preferably, the slot 52 is curved with respect to the axial direction of the spool 50 and extends between the first end 54 and second end 53 of the spool 50. Thus, a length of wire 110 is positioned through the slot 52 and through an exterior surface 51 of the spool 50. The end 111 of the wire 110 extends through the spool 50, whereafter rotation of the spool 50 draws the wire 110 around the spool outer surface. The continual rotation draws the wire 110 thereonto and thus reduces the free length of the wire. This can be used to tension the wire length 110.

When mending two lengths of wire together, a first length 100 of wire and a second length 110 of wire are joined using the tool. The user forms a loop 101 at an end of the first length 100 of wire. The end 111 of the second length 110 is positioned through the loop 101 of the first length 100. Thereafter, the end 111 of the second length 110 of wire is fed through the slot 52 in the spool 50 of the handheld tool. The user can then grasp the grip 80 with a first hand and rotate the U-shaped handle 20 with a second hand. By rotating the U-shaped handle in a first rotational direction, the second length 110 of wire begins wrapping around the spool 50. This reduces the free length of the second length 110, causing the second length 110 to tension. The tension in the second length 110 causes the second length 110 to pull on the loop 110 at the end of the first length 100 of wire fence. This tensions both lengths. Once sufficiently tensioned, the second length is wrapped back onto its tensioned length and wrapped therearound. Thus, the two lengths are joined and tensioned, forming a mended section of wire fence.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A handheld fence wire tensioner tool for mending wire fences, comprising: a spool comprising cylindrical body, a first end, and a second end; a U-shaped handle having a pair of handle arms and a cross member; the handle arms being rotatable relative and disposed adjacent to the spool at the first end and the second end of the spool; a ratchet mechanism disposed on the first end of the spool for operably coupling the handle arms to the spool in a first rotational direction; a grip extending from the first end of the spool and outboard of the ratchet mechanism; the spool having an axial direction along its length, and the grip extending perpendicularly away from the axial direction of the spool; wherein the grip is rotatably connected to the spool, whereby the user may grasp the grip in a first hand while rotating the U-shaped handle about the spool with a second hand to cause rotation of the spool relative to the grip when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction; whereby the U-shaped handle and the spool are decoupled when the U-shaped handle is rotated relative to the spool in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction; whereby the spool further comprises a slot therethrough that is adapted to receive a length of fence wire therethrough. 2) The handheld fence wire tensioner tool of claim 1, wherein: the slot through the spool is curved with respect to the axial direction of the spool and extends between the first end and second end of the spool; the slot extends through an outer surface of the spool to receive the fence wire into the slot. 3) The handheld fence wire tensioner tool of claim 1, wherein: the ratchet mechanism further comprises a gear and a pawl; the gear has a center point aligned with a center axis of the spool; the gear further comprises asymmetrical teeth; the pawl is pivotably connected to one of the pair of handle arms of the U-shaped handle and spring biased against the asymmetrical teeth of the gear; whereby the asymmetrical teeth allow the pawl to ride over the asymmetrical teeth when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the second rotational direction; and whereby the asymmetrical teeth are adapted to bear against the pawl when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction. 4) A method of mending wire fences, comprising the steps of: providing a handheld fence wire tensioner tool that comprises: a spool comprising cylindrical body, a first end, and a second end; a U-shaped handle having a pair of handle arms and a cross member; the handle arms being rotatably connected to the spool at its first end and second end; a ratchet mechanism disposed on the first end of the spool for operably coupling the handle arms to the spool in a first rotational direction; a grip extending from the first end of the spool and outboard of the ratchet mechanism; the spool having an axial direction along its length, and the grip extending perpendicularly away from the axial direction of the spool; wherein the grip is rotatably connected to the spool, whereby the user may grasp the grip in a first hand while rotating the U-shaped handle about the spool with a second hand to cause rotation of the spool relative to the grip when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction; whereby the U-shaped handle and the spool are decoupled when the U-shaped handle is rotated relative to the spool in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction; whereby the spool further comprises a slot therethrough that is adapted to receive a length of fence wire therethrough. 5) The method of claim 4, wherein: the slot through the spool is curved with respect to the axial direction of the spool and extends between the first end and second end of the spool; the slot extends through an outer surface of the spool to receive the fence wire into the slot. 6) The method of claim 4, wherein: the ratchet mechanism further comprises a gear and a pawl; the gear has a center point aligned with a center axis of the spool; the gear further comprises asymmetrical teeth; the pawl is pivotably connected to one of the pair of handle arms of the U-shaped handle and spring biased against the asymmetrical teeth of the gear; whereby the asymmetrical teeth allow the pawl to ride over the asymmetrical teeth when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the second rotational direction; and whereby the asymmetrical teeth are adapted to bear against the pawl when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction. 7) A method of mending wire fences, comprising the steps of: using a handheld fence wire tensioner tool to mend a first length and a second length of wire fence together; the handheld fence wire tensioner tool comprising: a spool comprising cylindrical body, a first end, and a second end; a U-shaped handle having a pair of handle arms and a cross member; the handle arms being rotatably connected to the spool at its first end and second end; a ratchet mechanism disposed on the first end of the spool for operably coupling the handle arms to the spool in a first rotational direction; a grip extending from the first end of the spool and outboard of the ratchet mechanism; the spool having an axial direction along its length, and the grip extending perpendicularly away from the axial direction of the spool; wherein the grip is rotatably connected to the spool, whereby the user may grasp the grip in a first hand while rotating the U-shaped handle about the spool with a second hand to cause rotation of the spool relative to the grip when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction; whereby the U-shaped handle and the spool are decoupled when the U-shaped handle is rotated relative to the spool in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction; whereby the spool further comprises a slot therethrough that is adapted to receive a length of fence wire therethrough; forming a loop at an end of the first length of wire fence; positioning an end of the second length of wire fence through the loop at the end of the first length of wire fence; feeding the end of the second length of wire fence through the slot in the spool; holding the grip with the first hand; rotating the U-shaped handle in the first rotational direction to cause the second length of wire to wrap around the spool, tension the second length of wire, and pull on the loop at the end of the first length of wire fence; wrapping the second length of wire onto itself and around the second length of wire. 8) The method of claim 7, wherein: the slot through the spool is curved with respect to the axial direction of the spool and extends between the first end and second end of the spool; the slot extends through an outer surface of the spool to receive the fence wire into the slot. 9) The method of claim 7, wherein: the ratchet mechanism further comprises a gear and a pawl; the gear has a center point aligned with a center axis of the spool; the gear further comprises asymmetrical teeth; the pawl is pivotably connected to one of the pair of handle arms of the U-shaped handle and spring biased against the asymmetrical teeth of the gear; whereby the asymmetrical teeth allow the pawl to ride over the asymmetrical teeth when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the second rotational direction; and whereby the asymmetrical teeth are adapted to bear against the pawl when the U-shaped handle is rotated in the first rotational direction. 